{idea notebook} Me & My Shadow

When it comes to our favorite things and special collections I find it important to consider how we want to present them to the world. What could be more perfect for your special piece than featuring it in a charming shadow box? Not just for little girls with pig-tails, shadow boxes can be sweet or modern depending on how you treat them. And they add great dimension to our often 2-d walls. (This wonderful idea was taken from 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Summer 2010 issue) Simply repurpose an old drawer with a fresh coat of paint and some pretty wallpaper or decorative paper and voila, you have a timeless presentation for something you hold dear. Another thought to consider is changing out the drawer knob for an extra personal touch.

*photography via 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100

{idea notebook} Upholstered Screen

What do you do when you can't find the perfect piece of art to fill a big space or create an interesting focal point? I am certain this question has crossed all of our minds more than once. For a do-it-yourself solution try upholstering a screen. It's natural triptych shape is ideal for composition; all you have to do is find a fabric that you love and choose a screen whose proportions and scale work with your wall area. A few pointers to remember: 1. Cut fabric with approximately 3-4 inches of overlap (play)- this will allow you to pull the fabric taught and staple securely to the back of the screen. 2. Iron or steam the fabric prior to affixing it to the frame to remove all wrinkles. 3. If your pattern features any horizontal or vertical images align them carefully using a level or T-Square. I love this idea!

*photography via decorating, room by Huff-Dewberry, LLC

{idea notebook} 3-D Chest of Drawers

What to do with your dated chest of drawers? The latest do-it-yourself project answers that question with an oh-so-cool idea... customize it with 3-D text. So super cute!

It's pretty simple too. Here's how to do it:
1. Remove the drawers and paint two coats of glossy paint on the front, sides and top of the chest & fronts and edges of the drawers.
2. For the letters there are a few options:
* Check out your local, big box D-I-Y store and choose from their selection of decorative letters. Most will require paint, 2 coats of gloss.
* Many retailers such as The Letter Boutique, Craft Cuts, and Letter and Sign Shop offer customized letters as well as stock a variety of ready to use letters.
3. Stick each letter on with wood glue.
4. Add casters for a modern, utility finish.

*photography via Living etc.

{product+love} The Tin Is In

I love, love, love this colorful, vintage-inspired, tin dinnerware collection by VivaTerra; a company whose offerings are quite lovely and all eco sensitive. Listen to how completely charming their product description is "Long before paper plates and horseless carriages appeared on the scene, our picnic-loving ancestors set out for their favorite meadow carrying lightweight, reusable tinware. We're re-introducing an updated version for patio, deck or grass." (ranging in price from $29-$52) Couldn't have said it better!

*photography via vivaterra.com